The cement canal is on the border of an agricultural area and small community off Leisure Town Road. A veterinarian believes the sea lion is a sub-adult or adult based on media video and photos, Rulli said.

The sea lion might have been swimming up the Sacramento River and made a wrong turn into a series of ditches and waterways, he said.

The Marine Mammal Center rescue team arrived on the scene by early afternoon to try to help the sea lion. The group included trained volunteers, a veterinarian and a rescue manager, Rulli said.

“The location is a rare occurrence. We don’t see sea lions in this area,” he said.

Sea lions are prolific swimmers and often travel up the Delta, according to Rulli.